Legal Name Change Process
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in the Legal name change procedure:
Name Change Affidavit
Create an affidavit on stamp paper with your old and new name, and the reason for the change.
It must be signed by two witnesses and notarized by a notary public.
Newspaper Advertisement
Publish an advertisement in two newspapers: one in English and one in a regional language.
This serves as a public notice of your name change.
Gazette Notification
Submit the affidavit and newspaper clippings to the Department of Publication for Gazette notification.
Once published, your name change is officially recognized.
Receive Approved Gazette Copy
Once your application is approved, we will email the approved Gazette copy directly to your provided email address.
No Lines, No Wait – Your Gazette, Delivered to Your Doorstep!
- Fill out our simple name change form.
- We'll prepare your affidavit and gazette notification for you.
- Relax while we handle submissions and follow-ups.
Now Running to local Government Gazette Office & Waiting in Queue to get your Gazette registration for Name Change & Others is an OLD STORY, and the later bigger headache was the Update. Now, registration for Name Change in Gazette is just a few minutes job or just a call away – Call – (+91) 9326098181.
Our specialist team works particularly on it. We have a very smooth procedure to get it done from document collection to payment options and delivery of Gazette at your doorstep.
Our Workflow:
Consultation:
We start with a consultation to ascertain the reason behind your change of name (personal, marital or clerical) and proceed to format the paper as such.
Documentation Preparation:
We bring all the required papers and make sure that forms are duly completed to avoid delays or rejections.
Online Filing:
Our team does online filing of your name change application with the Maharashtra Gazette, and ensures every step is followed properly.
Approval & Gazette Publication:
Once you have submitted it, your name change shall be printed in the Maharashtra Gazette whereby you shall be issued with an official copy as a record of your new name.
Support for Further Updates:
After we publish your name change, we help you update your official documentation (ID, passport, etc.) to reflect the change.
Maharashtra Gazette Name Change Service
Our Maharashtra Gazette Name Change Service is a smooth, convenient and problem-free process that a person can undergo in order to change his or her name legally. This service simplifies the documenting exercise since it ensures that the clients go through the process of changing their name with minimum tasks. So, that is how it helps you and us as our workflow:
Benefits of Our Name Change Service:
Complete Guidance & Assistance:
We make it easy and straightforward by guiding you step by step through the name change process, whether you are getting married, fixing a misspelled name, or becoming somebody new, we are here to help.
Quick & Hassle-Free Process:
Through the Maharashtra Gazette Name Change system, you shall be able to do the whole process at the comfort of your home, save yourself time and the long queues and papers.
Digitized & Simplified:
The system allows you to filing and publishing your name change in the Maharashtra Gazette online, reducing the traditional obstacles and giving you the speed.
Official Name Change Documentation:
Your name change will be legally recorded after it is endorsed and published in the Maharashtra Gazette and accepted by all legal and governmental systems.
Table of Contents
- Why is a Maharashtra Gazette Name Change Important?
- What Documents Are Required for Gazette Certificate?
- How to Apply for a Name Change Gazette online Maharashtra?
- What is the Fee for Gazette Name Change?
- What is a Gazette Name Change?
- What is Format of affidavit/ declaration for change of name in Gazette Maharashtra?
- How Long Does It Take for a Name Change in Maharashtra?
- Is Gazette Notification Enough for Name Change?
- How to Check Rajpatra Status?
What is a Gazette Certificate?
Gazette Certificate
A Gazette certificate is a government document that proves a name change or other change of a personal detail is legal and is published in the government gazette. Once issued, it can be used as a legal document and is accepted broadly by governmental administrative bodies, banks, and other institutions, as well as universities.
Definition and Purpose
The Gazette of India is an official journal and instrument of law of the Government of India, operating under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.
A Gazette certificate documents the approval and formalization of a change in name, date of birth, or religion. It is also a requirement that a name change is gazetted to be legally accepted by all government departments and institutions.
The Uses of a Gazette Certificate
- Documentary evidence of updated name or detail on government-issued documents such as a passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, and voter ID.
- Necessary for updating property records, bank accounts, educational certificates, and for processes like marriage, divorce, and immigration.
- Accepted by courts and foreign embassies as statutory evidence.
Central Gazette Certificates vs State Gazette Certificates
Maharashtra Gazette certificates, etc., are local or state-level records, while Central Gazette certificates (issued by the Government of India) are valid throughout India for central government services, nationalized banks, and international documentation like passports and visas.
In short, a Gazette certificate is a lawful, authorized government document of identity modification that enables the updating of official records and is essential for the enforceability of mandates in law and administration throughout India.
Why is a Maharashtra Gazette Name Change Important?
Want to get your name change formal and hassle-free? Change of Maharashtra Gazette name to be the best solution to smooth updatings of all your important documents!
- Legal Recognition: A change of name in the Maharashtra Gazette is a legal document, and provides a legally solid evidence of your new name.
- Government and Financial Institutions Acceptance: The Gazette notification is accepted by all government bodies and financial institutions and will make a smooth transition on different platforms.
- Document Updates: Another thing that is necessary is to update important documents such as your Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, bank accounts, etc., to your new name.
- Prevention of Future Legal Hurdles: By formally publishing your name change, you will never face a mix-up or legal problem in the future over your identity.
- Employment and Education Records: It is important to update records with your employers, schools and other institutions where you have been listed.
- Property and Legal Issues: In case you are engaged in legal or property deals, Gazette notification will see to it that everything is done under your new name.
- Universal Acceptance: The change of Gazette name is universally valid, and thus a legal form of identification in India, as well as abroad.
Changing the Name by Maharashtra Gazette will add the official change of name in government and other documents as well as any other records of your company and your name will not be subject to any identification problem.
What Documents Are Required for Gazette Certificate?
Documents Required for Gazette Name Change
- Identity Proof: An example of an official document issued by a government to determine the identity of an individual is an identity card such as an Aadhaar card, passport, and voter identity card.
- Affidavit: A notarized affidavit of the reason behind the name change with both names, old and new names mentioned.
- Record of Reason for Change of Name: This may be provided in the form of a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order depending on the reasonableness of the name change.
- Newspaper Advertisement: Evidence that you have placed your notice of change of name in at least two newspapers (this is required in the Gazette procedure).
- Address Proof: A copy of current address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill, etc.).
- Passport-sized Photographs: New photos to be accompanied by the application.
The documents will be required in order to ease the legal and smooth name change.
How to Apply for a Name Change Gazette online Maharashtra?
Steps to Change Your Name in Maharashtra
- Documents: Prepare certain papers such as Affidavit, Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.), Proof of Address, Newspaper Advertisement, and other supporting documents as may be necessary.
- Write Your Affidavit: Write a statement that you will be using as an affidavit, a statement that contains the details of your former name and the new name, the reason why you are changing your name, and your contact details. Notarize it.
- Advertisement in Newspapers: Advertise the change of name in both the English and one local language newspaper.
- Documents Filing: Take your affidavit, identity proof, address proof, and the newspaper advert to the Department of Publication.
- Pay Fees: Submit the necessary fee (200 INR to 3000 INR) of the application.
- Await Gazette Notification: Wait another 30-60 days until your name change is published in the Gazette of India.
- Gazette Download Copy: After the Gazette is published, you can download the Gazette notice or order a printed copy.
These will legalize and streamline the process of your name change in Maharashtra.
What is the Fee for Gazette Name Change?
Gazette of India Fee Structure
Now, this is a brief Gazette of India fee structure as per various categories and documents needed:
- Change of Name by Adult: ₹1100/- (PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, newspaper advertisement, photo)
- Child Name Change: ₹1100/- (Required: Birth Certificate, PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, Newspaper ad, Photo)
- Name Change in Marriage: ₹1100/- (PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, Newspaper ad, Photo Needed)
- Change of Name in Divorce: ₹2750/- (Divorce Decree, PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, Newspaper ad and Photo is required)
- Name of Child in the event of Divorce: ₹3350/- (Required: Divorce Decree, Birth Certificate of the Child, PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, Newspaper Ad, Photograph)
- Aadhaar Card Name Change: ₹1100/- (Required: PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, Newspaper advert, Photo)
- Document Error Correction: ₹1100/- (PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, Newspaper advertisement, Photo required)
- Religion Change: ₹1100/- (Required Conversion Certificate, PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, Newspaper advertisement, Photo)
- Name Change by Government Employee: ₹1100/- (Deed, PAN, Aadhaar, Newspaper ad, Photo required)
- Public Notice: ₹1400/- (PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, Newspaper advertisement, photo required)
- Passport Name Change: ₹1100/- (Requirement: PAN, Aadhaar, Affidavit, Newspaper ad, Photo)
You may pay by cash or by a demand draft/postal order to:
Department of Publication, Controller of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-110054
Additional Costs:
- Affidavit: ₹20 stamp paper
- Notary Charges: ₹200
- CD: ₹50
- Newspaper Advertisement: ₹450-750
- Gazette Notification: ₹700-1500
The Central Government fixes these fees on Gazette of India name change and document correction.
The official Gazette of India publishes lists of approved name changes regularly, with notifications accessible online and in print. In 2025, lists and personal notifications of name change are available on the eGazette portal and other government portals.
It is a significant act to rename in the official Gazette of India and it is a good thing that you are taking much time to know the methodology. Lists of approved name changes are published in the official Gazette India frequently where they are announced whether it is done due to personal or legal reasons.
Where to Find Name Change Lists
- The eGazette portal: The official government site where Gazette notifications can be viewed (including name change lists of recent years) is the eGazette portal (https://egazette.gov.in).
- The Department of Publication’s site: The Department of Publication states change of name/public notices and the guidelines on both the minor and adult.
- Regional Gazette portals: In case of Maharashtra and other states, gazette portals are also available at the regional level containing lists of recent approvals of name changes.
Typical Contents of a Gazette Name Change List
- These lists normally contain both the old and the new names, short personal identifiers, and reference numbers of each item.
- These are published under the Gazette under sections like change of name, and have specific spaces for date of birth, change of religion and other amendments.
How to Access or Download
- Gazette name change notifications are published on a downloadable PDF on the eGazette portal, recent notifications can be searched by date or subject.
- Sample Gazette entries can be found online in many legal service providers.
- It mostly involves the filling of an application, documents in support, and after acceptance, one sees the new name in the official Gazette, which is publicly accessible.
Legal Steps for Name Change in Gazette
- An affidavit explaining the change
- Publication of the change locally in a newspaper
- Forwarding of all the documents and application to Gazette department
- The validity and official publication process is approximately 25-45 days
The latest list and specific notifications can always be checked on the official government eGazette site and on the state gazette portals.
Name Change Procedure Online through Gazette Publication
Procedure for Name Change in Gazette: Steps are as Follows
- User needs to register on the Government website Login to aaplesarkar
- Fill in All the correct Mandatory details like Old name & new Name / Reason for Name Change/date of Birth, Mobile No & Email Id / Address Etc.
- Login with user Name & Password
- Now User can fill the online application form for “Change of Name” Form
- Attach All the Documents ( ID proof / Address Proof / Photo & Application Form ) & Continue
- Submit the application.
- Kept reference number for future reference after submitting the application .
- Check your status of your application here https://dgps.maharashtra.gov.in/. Change in name Section.
- You will get the Rajpatra copy at your register Email Id.
Documents required for Name change in gazette for Major / Minor:
- For Major / Adults ( Mandatory Documents )
- ID Proof : Pan card or Passport or Driving Licence or Aadhar Card or Voters Id
- Address proof : Ration Card or Aadhar Card or Electricity Bill
- Photo : Two seltattested passport size photographs of each of Natural / adopting and Child
- Application Form : Duly Signed Application Form with all details Old & New Name,
- Correspondence address, Contact Details & reason for Name change
- Optional : Marriage certificate ( if Any for Female after Marriage ) Divorce Decree issued by
- Court ( Incase of Divorce ) etc Adoption Deed issued by Court ( Incase of Adoption )
- For Minor below 18 years (Mandatory Documents)
- ID Proof: Aadhar card or School id or Aadhar Card
- Address Proof: Ration card or Aadhar Card
- Age Proof: Birth Certificate or Bonafide
- Photo: One Passport Size Photo
- Application Form : Duly Signed By Minor if possible and parents or Guardians
- Origipal Newspaper
- Note : As its a Online process all the documents need to be in JPEG format with File size
Central Gazette vs. State Gazette: Key Features and Document Requirements
| Feature | Maharashtra State Gazette | Central Government Gazette (Delhi) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Directorate of Government Printing & Stationary, Mumbai | Directorate of Printing, Department of Publication, M/o Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India |
| Photo ID | Any one of PAN, Aadhar, Voter ID, Driving License | Any one of PAN, Aadhar, Voter ID, Driving License |
| Address Proof | Any one of Aadhar, Passport, Ration Card, Electric Bill | Any one of Aadhar, Passport, Electric Bill |
| Photographs | 1 passport-size photo | 2 self-attested passport-size photos |
| Birth Certificate | Required in case of minor | Required in case of minor |
| Application Form | Must be filled and signed | Not required; complete file must be prepared and submitted |
| CD (Compact Disc) | Not required | Required |
| Newspaper Advertisement | Not required | To be submitted along with other documents |
| Affidavit | Not required | To be submitted along with other documents |
| 10th Standard Marksheet | Not required | Required |
| Processing Time | 5 to 14 days | 25 to 45 days |
Frequently Asked Questions
The whole procedure normally takes between 15 and 30 days. It is worth noting, though, that the time frame is not certain, but rather depends on the time you have to submit your documents and the volume of the Department of Publication workload.
You can apply for name change as many times as you like. But make sure you obtain a Gazette notification, confirming the same. Also, it is important to note that frequent name changes might lead to the occurrence of legal and administrative issues. Therefore, it is mandatory to consult a legal expert before proceeding with the name change process.
The Gazette notification is valid for a lifetime as it is a legally evidence.
In case you find an error in the notification, do not hesitate to contact the Department of Publication, to rectify it. A correction notice is mandatory, and also attach additional documents and pay the necessary fees.
Yes. It is mandatory to publish your name change notice in two newspapers- one in the local language and one in English) before proceeding with the Gazette notification stage
The reason of the name change is well specified in the affidavit, and this is followed by your old and new names. It must be notarized and a vital component of the application process.
The fees vary according to the type of name change and where the notification will be published, state or central Gazette. The fees for individual name changes is between ₹1,100 and ₹3,650.
The cost structure of the Gazette name change process in Karnataka is listed as:
- Affidavit: ₹100 to ₹200
- Newspaper ads: ₹395 to ₹3,000 (depending on publication)
- Gazette fees: ₹1,100 to ₹3,650
You can pay through a demand draft, online payment (if available), or bank transfer to the department's account. Keep the receipt or proof of payment mandatorily.
Notarization fees, newspaper publication charges, and legal consultation fees if you seek professional advice, might come under additional cost.
After the publication of your name in the Gazette, you must update your legal and identification documents such as passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank accounts, driving license, etc.
You may apply to the Department of Publication, requesting a copy of the Gazette notification. In some instances, you may also access it online by visiting the official Gazette website.
A Gazette notification is a legal document and is accepted by all government authorities, banks, and other relevant entities to update records.
The fees paid for Gazette publication, are non-refundable.
Even Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) can apply for the process of name change in the Indian Gazette. The procedure remains the same, but they have to furnish additional documents such as proof of residence abroad.
There are few states and the central government that allow online submission of name change requests in the Gazette, not all.
In case of rejection of your name change application, you will be provided with the reason for rejection from the Department of Publication, so you can rectify the mistakes and reapply.
Yes. Certain numerological or astrological reasons influence the process of name change. You must also state the reason while drafting affidavit.
Yes, you may change the spelling of your name through a Gazette notification to make corrections or upon receiving numerology or astrology advice for the same.
After publication in the Gazette, corrections cannot be made directly. You have to apply for the reissue, by preparing a fresh affidavit, newspaper ad, CD, and fees. The process will take 25 to 45 days to complete.
There is no age limit as such for a Gazette name change. But when the process involves minors, then parental consent or court approval is mandatory.
Yes you can go back to your previous name through the same legal procedure and Reapplication for a Gazette notification.
It is highly advisable to notify the key departments such as Income Tax, Passport, driving license, bank, and electoral office for smooth processing of records.
The process of Gazette name change process will require 25 to 45 days, because of such stages as document development and its government processing. The time involved will differ according to the office workload and completeness of the documents.
The Gazette of India will cost ₹1,100 for standard name changes.
- After Divorce: ₹2,750
- For a Minor: ₹1,700
- Documentation Errors: ₹1,100
The process takes 25 to 45 days and the Gazette usually comes out on Saturdays. After publication, you will receive a PDF copy by mail.
To download the Gazette:
- Visit egazette.gov.in
- Click on 'Search Gazette' and select 'Weekly Gazette'.
- Choose 'Part IV' in the Part and Section dropdown.
- Select the issue date, find your notification, and download the PDF.
Yes, the Gazette follows a standard format and is stamped by the Controller of Publication.You may download the sample copy online.
The Gazette published in Delhi is generally a PDF file. Bit, you can print it as well.
If Gazette booking is not completed, you can contact us within 30 minutes to 48 hours for cancellation. A cancellation fee of ₹100 will apply , followed with the refund of the rest of the amount.
The process for a name change after marriage is similar to the other name change procedure. The documentation remains the same.You may contact us for further assistance.
- Newspaper ads (one in English and one in local language).
- Notarized affidavit stating the name change reason.
- 2 photographs.
- Letter addressed to The Controller of Publication, Delhi.
- Specimen form for name change with one CD in MS-Word and signed declaration.
The charges for Gazette of India online are:
- Adults: ₹1,100
- Minors: ₹1,700
- Divorce: ₹2,750
- Minor Name Change After Divorce: ₹3,350
In case of rejection due to incompleteness of application, you may reapply without a waiting period. Contact our team for further assistance.
Yes, we have branches for Gazette booking for cities, such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata. For more details, call us at 9821566223.
As a Central government employee, you have to submit a 'Deed for Change of Name' approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Yes, you must submit original documents such as the affidavit and newspaper clippings may be required. Generally, copies of ID proofs suffice.
No, changing your name will not affect ownership rights or contracts. Make sure you update your name in property deeds, legal documents, and financial accounts.
Most common reasons for rejection include:
- Incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Discrepancies between old and new names.
- Failure to follow Gazette procedure accurately.
Yes, the Gazette notification is worth using worldwide in re-registering your name on such official documents as passports. It should be remembered here that in certain countries, the required notarization or affidavits in addition to the Gazette notification may be necessary to accomplish the process.
At present, the Gazette name change application in India is yet to be fully online, including Maharashtra. The whole procedure is not digital. Although the eGazette portal enables you to see and download your published Gazette notification, uploading of documents will still be offline. The applicants must post their affidavit, ID proofs, newspaper cuttings, a CD or pen drive containing the declaration and fee to the Department of Publication, New Delhi. In spite of this offline mechanism, numerous service providers in the professional services sector today provide document preparation assistance online to streamline the process.
In order to request a name change in the Maharashtra Gazette on the web, you have to log in or create an account on the official e-Gazette site. Complete the application form and provide your information and the rationale of the change, attach the required documents and pay the necessary fees. You will also be required to draft an affidavit and place an announcement in the newspaper regarding the change of name. Once you have made an application, you should be able to follow its progress. When it is approved, you are able to download the Gazette notification, which is considered legally valid to change the name.
In order to request a name change in the Maharashtra Gazette on the web, you have to log in or create an account on the official e-Gazette site. Complete the application form and provide your information and the rationale of the change, attach the required documents and pay the necessary fees. You will also be required to draft an affidavit and place an announcement in the newspaper regarding the change of name. Once you have made an application, you should be able to follow its progress. When it is approved, you are able to download the Gazette notification, which is considered legally valid to change the name.
The procedure begins with the creation of a notarized affidavit clearly indicating your old name, new name and the cause of the change. Then you have to advertise your name change in two newspapers, one in English and one in a local language. Thereafter, make up your Gazette application with all the supporting documents, photographs, adequately formatted CD or pen drive containing the typed text in MS word, and a covering letter. Lastly, use a courier to send this whole set to Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Delhi. Once the process is made, the name change will be published officially in the Part IV section of Gazette of India.
Yes, a Gazette notification is a national legal document of name change, and it is accepted not only in the state of Maharashtra but also all over India. After its publication, this official document is admissible in government offices, courts, banks, passport services, and even foreign embassies. It is a permanent legal document certifying your new identity that has become the most authoritative document needed to change your name on significant identity cards like PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Passport.
To start the procedure of locating and downloading a Gazette notification, initially determine whether you have a central government notification or a notification of your state government. Then go to the official site of the concerned Department of Publication, egazette.nic.in of central notifications or the site of your state gazette. When you get to the site, find the tab that is about Gazette publications and this is usually seen under the tab called Publications or any other name. Find your particular notification using the search tool on the site, which might enable you to search by name, notification number, or other information. Once you find the notification, you will be given a chance to download the notification in PDF format. As an example, suppose that you are searching a Maharashtra Gazette notification, then you would go to the state official site, click the Gazette page and repeat the same process.
In order to apply to the name change in the Gazette of the State of Maharashtra, you require a notarized affidavit as to the reasons why the change is being effected, evidence of your previous name and current name (Aadhaar card, PAN card), proof of address (utility bills), and two publications of the name change on newspapers in two local languages. You are also required to provide an application form which should be filled in and passport-sized photographs. In case you are changing your name because of marriage or divorce, you might require a marriage certificate or a divorce decree. In the case of government employees, No Objection Certificate (NOC) may be needed by the office.
Yes, the Department of Publication does charge a fee based on the nature of the name change request. The regular fees include 1,100 rupees towards general name changes in a name of an adult, 1,700 rupees towards a name change in a name of a minor, 2,750 rupees towards name change post-divorce, and 3,350 rupees towards name change post-divorce of a minor. These are to be paid by Indian Postal Order (IPO) or Demand Draft, drawn in the name of the Controller of Publications, Delhi. At present, digital payments are not an option.
Yes, the NRIs and Indian citizens residing overseas are permitted to apply for a Gazette name change, subject to the submission of the required documents. The application should contain an Indian passport, overseas address proof, an affidavit, which should be attested by Indian Embassy, and a set of the ordinary documents you should need. International courier is still used to send the application to the office in Delhi. After publishing, the applicant is allowed to access the copy of the eGazette online and is deemed valid anywhere in the world and usually accepted in other countries upon attestation.
Provided that the Gazette contains a spelling mistake, you must present a new application to rectify. This should consist of a cover letter detailing the error, original Gazette PDF of the error, a corrected affidavit and the needed documents. In other instances, another fee might apply. To prevent such postponements, it is good to ensure that you carefully proofread your documents and CD content before sending the first application.
In the majority of cases, applications are denied because of the absence of the documents, improper formatting of the CD, the lack of signature of the declarations, or because of the unfinished details of the affidavit. In most cases, you may receive back your documents and a note of rejection. Reapplication will not have any penalty but you will have to correct the mistakes and resend all the material afresh. This is why it is common to find numerous applicants who prefer to hire services of a name change consultant so as to evade these pitfalls.
Yes, Gazette notification is usually necessary to update your name on other documents such as PAN, Aadhaar, and Passport, and more so, when the change is not due to marriage. It makes your name change legal and can be used as evidence when updating your records. Although a Gazette notification is essential to change of non-marriage, some authorities might consider a marriage certificate to change of name upon marriage. Sometimes there might be other documents required like identity and address proof depending on the process of update being done.